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Rep. Austin Scott Statement on Budget Agreement

Legislation sets the defense budget for two years, increases total defense funding to rebuild our military

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), today released the following statement upon passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act:

“I voted YES on the budget agreement to set our military and country free from the hostage of short-term spending measures and government shutdowns. Our soldiers and their families should never have to wonder if their capabilities will be cut or their pay withheld because of political games and infighting in Washington,” said Rep. Scott.

The legislation sets the defense budget for two years and increases total defense funding to $700 billion to match with Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) levels and the $719 billion for Fiscal Year 2019. For the last several months, Rep. Scott and HASC Members have worked to fully fund the Department of Defense to address capabilities and readiness issues and support our military families.

“Congress has no higher responsibility than to provide for our military. For the last several months, we have been pressing for an agreement that fully funds the Department of Defense and attempts to undo much of the damage done by harmful cuts to the defense budget and unnecessary continuing resolutions,” said HASC Chairman Mac Thornberry (TX-13). “Through the hard work of Rep. Scott and our entire House Armed Services Committee team, we now have a budget that will get our ships sailing and planes flying once again.”

Additionally, the agreement includes targeted funding in support of combating the opioid epidemic and supporting mental health programs, reducing the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare maintenance backlog, and investing in infrastructure development, among other things.